UNITED STATES: US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing concerns that the drills send an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. Trump said the decision came shortly before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were due to begin, adding that it was too late to cancel the drills entirely.
The exercises are scheduled to run from August 17 to 27, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating. The training is expected to include counter-drone operations, GPS disruption and cyberattack response as the allies adapt to North Korea’s evolving military capabilities. Trump also referred to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when explaining his position.
Trump Links Decision to Seoul’s Refusal on Iran
Trump also cited South Korea’s refusal to participate in US actions aimed at Iran. He said he had recently asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung whether Seoul wanted to join US efforts to denuclearise Iran, but that South Korea declined.
The White House and Pentagon had not immediately provided further details on Trump’s directive to reduce the exercises. North Korea routinely condemns US-South Korean military drills as preparations for an invasion. Pyongyang has also conducted two ballistic missile launches since August 6, including a launch on August 12 from its eastern coast toward the Sea of Japan.
US military officials have said North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine have gained battlefield experience in unmanned systems, electronic warfare and cyber operations. Ukraine has also reported the use of North Korean-made missiles in Russian attacks.